Cream Cheese Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It uses minimal, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Comes together quickly with almost no prep.
• Creamy, silky sauce that clings beautifully to pasta.
• Easy to customize with vegetables, proteins, or spices.
• A guaranteed family favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Garlic
• Pasta water
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the cream cheese and a splash of pasta water, stirring until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese if using.
7. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for more protein.
• Stir in spinach, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables.
• Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Substitute some cream cheese with goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
• Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cream cheese pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.
Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy-based sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta without butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil instead, though butter adds richness to the sauce.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but the sauce may be slightly thinner and less creamy.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer for a minute or add a small handful of parmesan cheese to increase creaminess.

What pasta shape works best?

Any shape works, but spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine cling especially well to the creamy sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just double all ingredients and adjust pasta water as needed.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or broccoli pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Why save pasta water?

The starch in pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silkier and helping it stick to the noodles.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of chili oil.

Conclusion

Cream cheese pasta is a quick, creamy, and satisfying dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with proteins and veggies, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Cream Cheese Pasta

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A rich, creamy, and ultra-comforting pasta dish made with simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this cream cheese pasta is quick, versatile, and satisfying.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 to 1 cup pasta water (as needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add cream cheese and a splash of pasta water, stirring until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using and mix until combined.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Notes

• Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.
• Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the sauce may be thinner.
• To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or chili oil.
• Great with added proteins like chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
• Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or roasted veggies for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 45mg